The Physiological Society Who we are and what we offer you
What is physiology? “Having used molecular biology to break a man down into his tiniest components - his genes, his proteins and all the other molecules - we need to understand how to put all those pieces back together again. This is precisely what physiology is about.” Professor Denis Noble, CBE FRS
The Physiological Society… Promotes physiology for the benefit of the public Publishes The Journal of Physiology and Experimental Physiology Brings together physiologists from across the world Contributes to the progress and understanding of biomedical and related sciences Contributes to the detection, prevention and treatment of disease, disability and physical malfunctions
Aims Support physiological research through publications and scientific meetings Support education in physiology Communicate the importance of physiology Support the membership
Membership The Physiological Society brings together over 3,000 scientists from more than 60 countries. Since its foundation in 1876, its Members have made significant contributions to our knowledge of biological systems and the treatment of disease. First elected honorary members were Charles Darwin and William Sharpey. Since The Society’s foundation, our membership has included more than 20 Nobel Prize winners. Honorary Members include Nancy Rothwell, Paul Nurse, Dennis Noble, Colin Blakemore, Tim Hunt, Sydney Brenner and John Sulston.
Membership benefits Access to the largest network of physiologists in Europe. Funding to support your research and career For travel, outreach, studentships, seminars, meetings Reduced/Free registration fees for meetings, where new research from across the discipline is presented. Free online access to Society publications for Affiliate, Ordinary and Associate members Online engagement and links to Member-specific initiatives. Free workshops - in techniques such as imaging and PCR Endless networking opportunities....
Membership categories Ordinary – for research-active individuals who have a proven independence in their field (from £73/year) Affiliate – for individuals studying for a postgraduate course or in the first 3 years of gaining a PhD (from £16/year) Associate – individuals working in/with physiology but who are not research-active (from £37/year) Undergraduate – studying physiology or a related subject (Group: £10 for the duration of degree; individual: £15)
Opportunities for Undergraduates and Affiliates Travel grants Up to £100 for Undergraduates and £500 for Affiliates to network and attend conferences Uncompetitive scheme No requirement to present Undergraduate Prize in Physiology One award per institution, co-ordinated by Society Rep. Awards best BSc Honours physiology research project or an consistently outstanding BSc student.
Opportunities for Undergraduates Vacation Studentship Scheme (VSS) Opportunity for undergraduates to undertake a research project on an area of physiology over summer. Funding of £150 a week available for up to eight weeks. Project supervisors need to be Ordinary Members. Deadline for applications is 1 April.
Membership applications Rolling deadline Online submission Require the support of a current Ordinary member of at least 3 years 2-4 week assessment period Annual subscription (except for Undergraduates, who subscribe for their entire course)
Opportunities to engage with us Attend a meeting Sit on a Committee Run or take part in an outreach activity Attend a techniques workshop Arrange a meeting Take part in a Careers event Apply for a Vacation Studentship Influence policy Stand for Council/Affiliate Representative The Society is always looking for ways to improve membership benefits and welcomes feedback from Members in this regard
What our members say “The Physiological Society has exposed me to cutting-edge research in areas I had only previously learnt about in lectures. It is also a great way to meet the academics whose work I study in detail as part of my course. The Society offers subsidised joining rates for undergraduates, generous travel grants and free attendance for undergraduates to scientific conferences. I would highly recommend it.” Undergraduate Member
What our members say “As a physiologist, my career has been mapped out almost entirely through conversations at scientific events. For me, the most important role of The Physiological Society is the meetings it organises. I urge you to join up, attend meetings and talk to people - you’ll be surprised by the outcome of such conversations.” Member
Contact information For more information on becoming part of our friendly, professional community, or to discuss membership options, please: Visit Call Society Representatives Details of your Society Rep here: